On the use of ion beams to emulate the neutron irradiation behaviour of tungsten

Abstract

Tungsten is the primary candidate for use as the divertor armour in magnetic confinement nuclear fusion reactors. As such, the material will be plasma facing and subject to extremely harsh environments due to neutron and charged particle bombardment. To predict its in-service behaviour during operation, ion beams are extensively used as a proxy for neutron irradiation damage. However, reproducing the complexities of radiation damage mechanisms as well as transmutation effects of neutron irradiations of tungsten with single or multiple ion beams is still in its infancy and results can often seem contradictory. This review paper aims to collate and unite these disparate observations, with the aim of aiding the communities when moving forward to use the state-of-the-art in ion beam technology to emulate neutron damage in tungsten.